Teeth grinding while you sleep? Here’s what you need to know
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a surprisingly common condition, particularly among adults. Many people are unaware that they grind or clench their teeth, especially if it occurs while they sleep. Yet, over time, this seemingly minor habit can have serious consequences for your dental health and general well-being.
If you’ve ever woken up with a sore jaw, a dull headache or sensitive teeth, you may be experiencing the effects of nighttime teeth grinding. In this blog, we’ll explore what causes teeth grinding, how to see the signs and what you can do to treat or prevent it.
What is Teeth Grinding?
Teeth grinding involves clenching or gnashing your teeth during the day or, more commonly, while you sleep. Because grinding your teeth when sleeping occurs unconsciously, many people are unaware it’s happening until symptoms begin to develop or a dentist spots the signs during a routine check-up.
Common causes of teeth grinding
Teeth grinding doesn’t have a single cause. The reason someone is grinding their teeth is unique to the person. For older adults, some of the most common contributing causes include:
- Stress and Anxiety: Emotional tension is one of the leading causes of teeth grinding. Clenching the jaw or grinding the teeth is a common unconscious response to stress.
- Sleep disorders: Conditions such as sleep apnea or snoring can be closely linked to nighttime teeth grinding.
- Misaligned bite or missing teeth: Problems with your bite, such as crooked or missing teeth, can cause the jaw to overcompensate, leaving teeth grinding.
- Lifestyle habits: Regular use of caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, or drugs may increase your teeth grinding.
- Medications: Some prescribed medications, especially those used for managing depression or anxiety, can trigger teeth grinding as a side effect.
Signs and symptoms to look out for
Teeth grinding can be difficult to self-diagnose, but several symptoms may suggest it:
- A tight or aching jaw, especially in the morning.
- Dull headaches, often centred around the temples.
- Unexplained tooth sensitivity.
- Chipped, worn or flattened tooth surfaces.
- Facial pain or tension, sometimes mistaken for an earache.
- Poor quality or disrupted sleep.
If you’re experiencing any of the above, particularly in combination, it’s worth speaking to your dentist for further advice.
Long-term effects of untreated teeth grinding
Without proper treatment, chronic teeth grinding can result in a range of serious issues. These may include:
- Tooth damage: Prolonged teeth grinding wears down the protective enamel layer on your teeth, making them more vulnerable to chips, cracks and decay.
- Jaw disorders: These can develop due to strain on the jaw muscles and joints. Symptoms include pain, clicking noises and difficulty opening the mouth.
- Gum recession: The pressure of teeth grinding can contribute to receding gums, increasing the risk of periodontal disease and tooth loss.
- Chronic headaches or migraines: Jaw tension and muscle fatigue from grinding can trigger frequent headaches.
- Disturbed sleep: The condition can impact not only your sleep but your partner’s, leading to fatigue and irritability.
Treatment options for teeth grinding
Effective treatment depends on identifying the underlying cause, which can vary significantly from person to person. Your dentist will work with you to determine the best approach. Common treatments include:
- The use of custom nightguards prevents further damage, but doesn’t stop the grinding. They act as a cushion and help to relieve pressure.
- Medications such as muscle relaxants may be prescribed to reduce nighttime jaw tension
- Botox injections can be used in certain cases to reduce the strength of jaw muscle contractions.
- Behavioural therapies to help manage the stress, anxiety or behavioural habits that contribute to teeth grinding. Doing relaxation techniques and cognitive therapy can help.
Prevent teeth grinding
Although not all causes of teeth grinding can be prevented, there are practical steps you can take to minimise the risk and reduce its impact:
- Attend regular dental check-ups: Your dentist is trained to spot the early signs and can monitor for any changes.
- Reduce stress: Consider yoga, meditation, breathing exercises or talking therapies to reduce emotional tension.
- Limit stimulants: Cutting back on caffeine, alcohol and tobacco, particularly in the evening, may help improve both your sleep quality and bruxism symptoms.
- Improve your sleep hygiene: Going to bed at the same time each night, keeping your bedroom cool and dark and avoiding screens before bedtime can all contribute to better rest.
Teeth grinding may seem like a minor nuisance, but left unchecked, it can lead to serious dental complications, jaw disorders and discomfort. With early intervention and the right support, it’s entirely manageable.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, don’t wait until more serious issues arise. Consult with one of our experienced dentists in Garstang, who would be happy to assess your symptoms and recommend the best thing for you going forward.
Protect your smile today and book an appointment!
